Disclaimer: Weep for me, for I do not own Harry Potter. Not a single share.

Chapter One: Just a friendly visit…

Twice a year, Professor McGonagall would march up to the headmaster's office, and demand news of the little boy she had seen left on Privet Drive. Twice a year, Albus Dumbledore would reassure her that the boy was safe and fine with his relatives. Twice a year, she would grumble, shake her head, and stalk out.

So it goes without being said, that when Minerva McGonagall walked into the very same office on July 31st, she expected to be pacified by an answer that the boy was fine. What she didn't expect however, was a quiet, troubled Albus Dumbledore, consulting quietly with his pet phoenix. He looked up at her as she entered.

"Albus?"

"Lemon drop, Minerva?"

The transfiguration professor declined, as usual. "How is Harry Potter, Albus?"

"He is fine, and quite safe."

She considered him for a moment, noticing something was rather off. It was his tone, the wearied lines in his face. "Then what is troubling you?"

"I'm afraid that Arabella is missing," he said heavily, tinkering with a silver instrument that Minerva still did not know the name of. Or what it was used for.

"What?!" said Minerva, feeling the air being knocked out of her. Arabella Figg was a squib that had been assigned to watch over Potter. News of her disappearance was not appeasing in the least.

"Yes, I'm afraid she's disappeared. Two Aurors are now searching for her. And I have decided to go check on Harry myself, just in case."

"Aurors? They're willing to go search for a squib?"

Albus smiled benignly at her. "The ministry is aware of the situation. They are willing to go out on several limbs to make sure Harry Potter is safe. I believe Millicent is quite concerned for the boy's safety as well as her public image."

Minerva made a 'humph' noise. "The wards are still intact? Harry Potter is still safe?"

"Very safe," he reassured her, "Like I mentioned, I will be visiting him soon. I shall update you as soon as I return."

Noting the dismissal in his voice -for Minerva knew he had things to see to now that he was going to visit the boy- she nodded curtly and left.

Down the stairs she went, and as she was walking past the gargoyle sentry, she spotted Severus Snape hurrying towards her.

"Severus? What are you doing here?"

He looked up and slowed. An eyebrow rose, as he replied caustically, "I work here."

"I know that. I meant what are you doing here during the holidays?"

"The headmaster requested a meeting. Now if you don't mind," he said, side stepping her, "good day to you."

"Almond snicker bars," he told the gargoyles.

Minerva shook her head and walked off, wondering where on earth one was to find snickering almond bars.

Back in the same office McGonagall had just left, Severus Snape was being told to dress up like a muggle. It was bizarre to say the least, but over the years, he had come to know the headmaster as a strange man who rarely did anything without reason.

"Headmaster…Would you mind telling me where this excursion will be taking us to?"

"We're going to visit an old friend, Severus. In muggle Surrey. And we'll really need to blend in. If you are uncomfortable, I can transfigure your robes for you."

Severus did not know anyone in muggle Surrey. He had absolutely no clue as to what the headmaster was up to. And he most certainly did not need the headmaster dressing him, of all things!

"I have proper muggle clothes. I shall change into them immediately."

"Oh, you do? I myself have a nice little collection of muggle oddities. Fascinating, don't you think, how they've coped so well without magic?"

"Yes, very, I'm sure."

"Oh really Severus, you should be more open minded towards muggles."

Feeling heat rise to his cheeks, the potions master replied, "I don't--"

"Severus, I know you aren't like him, or them, but it's this kind of perception that got you into this mess in the first place."

"He exploited my love for the dark arts."

Dumbledore sighed. "Voldemort is a manipulator, a user. Do you regret your choice?"

"OF COURSE NOT!" Severus bellowed, hurt by the accusation.

Dumbledore smiled at him. "That's my point really. You are a good man, Severus Snape, and I'm proud of you. Are you ready to let me transfigure your robes?"

Severus was thankful Dumbledore did not push on. The fact the he made Albus Dumbledore proud meant much to Severus. Naturally, neither man expected him to openly admit that. So he simply replied, "Don't wager on it. I will return swiftly enough, so we can pursue another one of your mad adventures."

As he closed the door, he heard Dumbledore chuckle.

Hardly any time had passed, for Severus was quick to disrobe and change, when he walked back into the headmaster's office to find the old man dressed in what any normal muggle would've identified as golf wear.

The headmaster smiled at Severus, noting his outfit. "There are other colours than black, you know."

"I like black."

"Very well, very well. Shall we be off?"

And without waiting for affirmation, the headmaster stood and walked over to his former student and current employee. He held out a lemon drop sweet wrapper, and counted. "1..."

Severus held a portion of the wrapper between his thumb and middle finger.

"2…"

Severus would've betted several galleons that Dumbledore didn't have the ministry's permission for this portkey. Suddenly, he saw Dumbledore's wand wave over him; a disconcerting feeling washed immediately over him.

"3…"

Before he could yell at the Headmaster, something pulled at his navel, and they were gone.